Portsmouth sophomore Colin Perry represented the Trojans at the district swim meet, held at Ohio University in Athens on Feb. 16.
He first took an interest in the swim team when he was in the sixth grade, under the guidance of swim coach Gerald Cadogan.
“We’ve always had a pool in our backyard and it was always fun to swim around and play. I was never a very good basketball player, so I figured I’d try out swimming,” Perry said. “Over the years, I’ve learned many new techniques and how to become an overall better athlete.”
The Portsmouth Boys Swim Team finished first in the county this year, with Perry winning every 50- and 100-yard competition held at the Shawnee State University Warsaw Aquatic Center. Perry advanced to compete in the sectional tournament at Ohio University in Athens, where he finished in fifth place in the 50-yard swim with a time of 24.47 seconds and seventh place in the 100-yard with a time of 54.86 seconds.
“We compared the sectional times this year to districts last year held at The Ohio State University, and the times this year at sectionals were faster than the districts last year. The swimmers this year are much faster and more competitive, so we’re extremely pleased that he ended up even in fifth place and is able to go forward,” said Colin’s mother, Rachel Perry.
Only 32 swimmers from across the sectional tournaments were invited to compete in the district swim tournament at OU Athens. Ahead of the meet, Perry said he was feeling good and excited.
“I really enjoy the friendships I’ve made on the team,” he said. “I plan to go up there and swim as hard as I can.”
During the meet in Athens, Perry finished the 50-yard time in 24.34 seconds, and finished the 100-yard competition in 54.85 seconds
For more information about Portsmouth City Schools, visit them online at www.portsmouthtrojans.net, or follow the school’s page on Facebook.